Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents – 9.166

Notes

During a disaster important papers may be destroyed, lost, or damaged. In this fact sheet, you will find information and sources to help you replace your important papers.

All contact information was verified in September, 2013. However, this information is subject to change, so always confirm its accuracy on your own.

The information in this section was originally compiled by Jeanette A. Tucker, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Family Economics, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (April, 2006).

Birth and Death Certificates

To replace a birth or death certificate for U.S. citizens who were born or died in the United States, visit the National Center for Health Statistics at: www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm to learn where to write to obtain or replace vital records.

This address is also used to obtain a Report of the Death of an American Citizen Abroad form for U.S. citizens who died abroad.

Citizenship and Naturalization Papers

For papers related to citizenship, immigration, permanent residency (green card), re-entry permit, employment authorization, etc., visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services at www.uscis.gov or call 1-800-375-5283. Complete Form N-565. You may also contact your county court house.

Drivers Licenses or State ID Cards

The quickest way to obtain a duplicate driver’s license may be to apply in person at any Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles location. Visit www.4dmv.com/ and select Colorado from the dropdown list. Click on Driver’s License and ID; select Replace Lost License or ID Cards. You may be required to present original documents that prove your identity.

Income Tax Returns

Call the nearest IRS office, Department of Treasury Office, or 1-800-829-3676 and request Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return). Request a form for each year’s return you are requesting. To find your local IRS office in Colorado, go to:www.irs.gov/localcontacts/article/0,,id=98261,00.html.

Insurance Policies

Contact the agent or company providing coverage. You may be required to complete a form, pay a fee for duplicate copies, or both. Having the policy number will expedite your request.

Marriage Certificates and Divorce Records

Copies of certificates of marriage are available from the county that issued the marriage license. Divorce decrees are available from the county that granted the divorce. For ordering and fee information, please contact the local registrar in the county where the marriage certificate was issued or the divorce granted.

To learn where to write to obtain vital records, including marriage certificates and divorce degrees, contact the National Center for Health Statistics at: www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm.

Mortgage Papers

Contact your lending institution (mortgage holder).

Passports

If your passport is lost or stolen in the United States, report the loss or theft immediately to the Department of State or the nearest Passport Agency. The theft of a passport should also be reported to the local police.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are abroad, it should be reported immediately to the nearest United States embassy or consular office. A passport is a traveler’s principal means of identification abroad and its loss is very serious.

Pet Records

If pet records are lost, it can be difficult to replace them. Start with your local veterinarian to determine if they have a back up file that they can print and provide you. New pet licenses would have to be provided by the municipality that initially provided them. Check with your local animal control or city officials to determine their process for providing a new license.

Property Deeds

You may be concerned if the deed to your home or other property is destroyed or lost in a disaster. The deed you receive is just a certification to you that your transaction has been established as a public record. The true declaration of your ownership is held at the county courthouse where the property is located. You can obtain a certified copy of your deed by contacting the County Clerk and Recorder.

If the deed is held by a bank or mortgage company, check to be sure that it is being held safely. If damage has occurred, work with the lending/mortgage organization to find out how the deed can be replaced.

Savings Bonds/Notes

To replace Series HH/H Bonds, mail the completed form to:
Bureau of the Public Debt
P.O. Box 2186
Parkersburg, WV 26106-2186

To replace Series EE/E Bonds, mail the completed form to:
Bureau of the Public Debt
P.O. Box 7012
Parkersburg, WV 26106-7012.

Social Security Card

Visit https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp to find the location of your local Social Security Administration office. To replace a lost Social Security Card, obtain Form SS-5 Application for Social Security Card from this office or download it from: www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5.htm. Follow the instructions to complete the form.

For additional help, contact the Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) at 1-800-772-1213, or write:
Office of Public Inquiries
Social Security Administration
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235-0001

Vehicle Titles

Visit www.4dmv.com/ and select Colorado from the list. Click on Registration & Titling; select Titles and Replace Lost Title.

Send the completed forms as indicated in the address list on page 2 of the SF-180.

To find out if you are eligible for veteran’s benefits, how to apply, and what it will cost, call the VA Health Resource Center at 1-877-222-8387. You may be able to complete an application form online.

Wills and Advance Directives

Contact the attorney who prepared your will and advanced directives. If circumstances have changed, you may need to write a new will and create new advance directive documents.

Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating. CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. No endorsement of products mentioned is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.